African Kitchen Table

To visit the African Kitchen Table website click here

Kindly CLICK HERE to listen to Lucia’s podcast on the Kitchen Table

The following thoughts and accompanying kitchen table photos are from the members of Pencils for Africa’s Kitchen Table community

Understanding Malcolm Gladwell’s

David and Goliath:

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

by Karim

I do really appreciate the idea of a Kitchen Table community.

However small, however modest this community may be, it embodies a spirit that is powerful and formidable. That is a fact, but it is a fact that is not immediately apparent. It requires some reflection and perhaps even some reading. We do not often think of ourselves as powerful.

Giants are not what we think they are.

The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.

- Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath

However, some things come along in our experience and we have an epiphany, and then we step back and we reflect for a moment: all of a sudden, we begin to see hidden gems and glimpses of strength.

I consider the Kitchen Table community, which embodies the community spirit of Ubuntu, as powerful.

We spend a lot of time thinking about the ways that prestige and resources and belonging to elite institutions make us better off. We don’t spend enough time thinking about the ways in which those material advantages limit our options.

- Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath

We can certainly say that the European Powers that invaded Africa during The Scramble for Africa were very powerful. That was the power that existed 100 years ago in 1914 and is depicted on this map:

Currently, in 2014, there is also a very powerful force that is once again invading Africa and is often referred to as The New Scramble for Africa: this is the Scramble by Multi-National Corporate Power.

If you wish to read about The New Scramble for Africa in 2014 in THIS IS AFRICA, kindly click here.

All three of these forms of power: the Kitchen Table community’s Ubuntu spirit, The Scramble for Africa in 1914, and The New Scramble for Africa in 2014, can be perceived as forms of “power”.

Are all these three forms of power the same?

I have an answer to this question, which comes from reading and reflecting upon a recent book by Malcolm Gladwell entitled David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.

The answer is this:

The Scramble for Africa in 1914, and The New Scramble for Africa in 2014 are both the kinds of power that are characteristic of Goliath. Meanwhile, the Kitchen Table community is the kind of power that is characteristic of David.

Moreover, because the Goliath powers and the David power have opposing objectives and opposite purposes, they are essentially in opposition to each other.

Sluggish, slumbering, looming, lumbering Goliaths of great greed and self-gratification are in direct opposition to light-footed, quick-witted, vibrant, agile Davids of educational awareness and enlightenment.

It’s a battle, then.

A battle between brawny brute physical force and inspired innovation and intelligence.

The act of facing overwhelming odds produces greatness and beauty.

- Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath

And just as the brute physical force of armies runs on food supplies to the stomach and upon combat artillery and ammunition to achieve their ends; the power of enlightened ideas, such as the inspiring idea of the Kitchen Table community, runs on the fuel of community spirit.

Which means that we, collectively, as a Kitchen Table community, are not only necessary and needed, but we are quite formidable even though we may not always think we are.

We are all in this together and there is a lot of strength in this kind of community.

In fact, there is really just one word that can suffice in describing the David-like characteristic of the Pencils for Africa Kitchen Table community:

Powerful.

Moreover, Pencils for Africa’s Editorial Team know something innately and intuitively that we, as adults, need to learn from them. That true power lies in the fact that this is their generation’s strength and time.

They are our future policy makers.

It is their time.

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

- Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath

Thoughts on David and Goliath

and the ‘Smile, Song, Rhythm and Wisdom of Afrika’

by Saki Mafundikwa, member of the Pencils for Africa Board of Directors

Thoughts on the Rhythms and Song of Africa

by Karim

I love this video (above) that Saki has recommended we all watch!

I also have enjoyed visiting with the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team a couple of times this past week.

The PFA team and I have discussed two powerful reasons why we see the African Continent as “vibrant”:

Art and Music.

We have learnt about forms of Art (and Craft) from PFA Board Members such as Paola Gianturco.

Paola, who also visited the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team this past week, is a former Chair of The Crafts Center which worked with low-income artisans in 79 countries.

This past week, she shared ideas from her book, Her Hands: Craftswomen Changing the World.

What about that other powerful and vibrant aspect of Africa - Music?

Well, I have been giving much thought to Music and announced to the PFA team this week that I am working with a brilliant San Francisco-based musician, Michael Zizman, to co-compose a musical entitled “Pencils for Africa”!

I shared some of my initial scribbles on the Pencils For Africa Musical with the PFA team.

Since the Pencils For Africa Musical begins in the period of the Scramble for Africa in 1914, I am researching some of the African music from that period and hope to incorporate some it into the musical.

Throughout my own travels on the African Continent, I have found music to be vibrant source of hope and inspiration in some of the most difficult situations. Music brings people back to hope and happiness.

Once, when walking through the midst of an African slum, or ‘shantytown’, where there was extreme poverty and many overwhelming challenges, I heard the faint sound of music within the near distance.

As I walked toward the music, I found that a makeshift band was playing music in a makeshift corrugated iron shack and entire families were dancing playfully and joyfully as if without a care in the world!

The music being played by the band was “Millennia” originally by the Soweto String Quartet. Here it is:

A visit from Pencils for Africa Board Member Paola Gianturco

by Chyah

On two separate visits these past weeks with the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team, Paola Gianturco has so enriched both my life and the life of the PFA team with her wealth of knowledge, her art of storytelling, her depth of insight and her profound wisdom as an elder of our Kitchen Table community.

Paola spoke with the PFA team about wide ranging subjects that all connect and weave together, such as the history of slavery in Africa, the history and craft of beads and the woven cloth tapestries of storytelling.

I would like to express my gratitude with this note to our wonderful Kitchen Table community member:

Dear Paola,

Taking a pause from the day and thinking of our time together today, gives me a sense of strength and wonderment. Thank-you so very much for coming back to St. Hilary School. The kids and I feel so honored to have had you come and share with us your crafts along with your words of wisdom.

You are such a great listener and draw out the most curious and honest responses from the students, it is wonderful. They feel very safe and open with you.

When speaking about elders, Ben mentioned an elder being the wisest person in the community, he is correct.

Though I know that time is a human construct… it always seems to go by so fast when you are with us.

We spoke of several important subjects that had many interesting responses.

We spoke with the younger girls about the “narrative,” changing the story, or perception of a group of people or of a situation.

I really like to hear their young voices, and see how open they were talking about changing a negative to a positive and a possible. When speaking about elders, Ben mentioned an elder being the wisest person in the community, he is correct.

The history of the Slave Trade was such a powerful subject on so many different levels.

When talking about slavery, Chelsea mentioned being a slave to our own lives, always owning money to the bank, and needing money for rent and for groceries.

When talking of slavery, Chelsea mentioned being a slave to our own lives, by owing money to the bank, rent and groceries.

I thought it was very interesting, as Nicolas and Ben spoke about being owned by another person.

For me, the slave beads, gave me pause at how grateful I am for my life.

The thought of a persons life equating to the cost of the beaded necklace… priceless.

I thought it was very interesting, as Nicolas and Ben spoke about being owned by another person.

Paola, you have brought so much to our lives.

The students love the crafts, beads, the stories and discussions.

Please know that our door at Pencils for Africa is always open to you. Even if you just want to come to a meeting to just be with us, we would be honored.

Thank-you for all you do, again for coming back to school, and always, inspiring all of us.

With deep respect and love,

Chyah

To read the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team’s reflections on the visit by Paola Gianturco click here.

Thoughts on The Gift by Lewis Hyde and on African Elder Wisdom

by Chyah

I have been thinking about Gloria’s fascinating interview last year with Lewis Hyde, author of The Gift.

In reading through anthropological literature I began to realize that a description of gift exchange might offer me the language through which I could address the situation of creative artists.

- The Gift, by Lewis Hyde

To read Gloria’s interview with author Lewis Hyde, kindly click here.

I thought of The Gift when Paola Gianturco visited our PFA team meeting recently and spoke about African elder wisdom and folk wisdom. Here is a quote from Lewis Hyde’s The Gift that resonates with ideas on African folk wisdom and tribal wisdom that Paola shared with us:

Folk wisdom does not differ markedly from tribal wisdom in a sense of what a gift is… their story describes for us a spiritual and psychological commerce.

- The Gift, by Lewis Hyde

Africa: A Massive Continent

In Chelsea’s recent interview with artist Alison Nicholls (click here to read the interview) we are reminded of the massive size of Africa:

If you took a map of the world and cut out the US, China, India, Europe, Argentina and New Zealand and rearranged them, they would all fit at once within the outline of Africa.

- Alison Nicholls

So Africa is a massive continent and living in one part of Africa is very different to living in another.

- Alison Nicholls

Can kids change the world?

By Pencils for Africa Board Member Molly Kellogg

There is something special we have when we are kids that we slowly lose as we grow older.

I am not sure how to define this “something”… a willingness to learn, a never ending desire to make new friends, an open mind, an imagination that believes anything is possible, an ability to take in new experiences without judgment, or perhaps it can all be boiled down to an innocent ignorance.

As we age, experiences, society, and people around begin to shape who we are and we start to lose the freedom of having such an open mind.

Kids have a natural advantage: they make friends without judgment and have empty space in their minds for the world around them to fill with positive information.

Instead we develop our own morals, beliefs, and judgments that guide our actions and define who we are as people. I mean, how many grown adults do you know who could go over to stranger and ask “hey, can I share some of your snack?” or “can I have a turn playing with that toy?”

But put a handful of totally different kids in the same room and a couple of cool trucks with flashing lights or a soccer ball and see what happens. Before you know it, they will be will be planning make-believe cities together or finding objects to act as a goal so they can play a soccer game.

So when it comes to changing the world, I have to ask, why are we still wasting our time with us old people? Kids have a natural advantage: they make friends without judgment and have empty space in their minds for the world around them to fill with positive information.

At my graduation from University of Michigan, keynote speaker CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta told my graduating glass that “hopes, dreams, and aspirations are evenly distributed throughout the world” but what is not “is justice, opportunity, and working systems.”

I refer to this quotation far too often, but I believe it hits the nail on the head.

When we look at the history of the world – European exploration, slave trade, colonialism, “1914 Scramble for Africa”, present day “2014 New Scramble for Africa”, as Karim refers to in the David and Goliath entry - it is obvious why our world is so imbalanced when it comes to “development”.

When we look at the history of the world – European exploration, slave trade, colonialism, the 1914 Scramble for Africa and the present day 2014 New Scramble for Africa, as Karim refers to in the David and Goliath entry - it is obvious why our world is so hugely imbalanced, at least when it comes to what we refer to as “development”.

This history explains how the West exploited, and continues to exploit the African continent, starving it of its own resources and making up for it in “development aid”. However, the part we often fail to recognize is the first part, that “hopes, dreams, and aspirations are evenly distributed throughout the world.

Kids have the power to change the narrative about Africa and the West by reminding us of this “even distribution” and equality in humanity. All we need to do is create space for kids to communicate, which Pencils for Africa is doing in a beautiful way.

But the participants in Pencils for Africa are the lucky ones.

All we need to do is create space for kids to communicate, which Pencils for Africa is doing in a beautiful way.

When I went back to my high school to do a presentation about Africa, I started off by asking the 14 and 15 year old students to throw out words that came to mind when they heard the word “Africa”. Poverty. Starvation. Desert. Hot. Slave trade. AIDS. Save the Children. War.

The once open space in their minds had already been filled with images that came from sad commercials on TV displaying images of malnourished children or slums being bulldozed.

When I ask youth in Uganda to tell me what comes to mind when the think about the US I often hear rich, good roads, white, white, white, fat people, smart people, Christians, money.

Similarly, the space in their once open minds is filled with stereotypes created by the Hollywood, American aid in Africa, tourism, and American missionaries.

So here’s my question: Can kids change the world?

If we start creating friendships beyond unexpected borders on a level playing field, kids will have opportunities to develop their own narratives based on direct contact, dialogue, and conversation with their peers. Below are some quotations from letters written by American fifth grade elementary school students from White Plains, New York to fifth graders in Creamland Primary School in Kampala, Uganda.

The kids don’t know anything about each other apart from any preconceived notions they have about the United States or Uganda (more likely …Africa) but they are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn.

“I need to start with your name. What’s your name? What’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you? You don’t have to answer that, just if you want to. Do you wear school uniforms? What’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite animal? Are you a boy or a girl? Do you like sports? Do you like math? Do you have any talents? Who’s your favorite singer, dancer, or actress? Where are you from? Okay, that’s enough, let’s talk about school.” –Angelica, 5^th grader

“My name is Ayah Tazi. What’s your name? I like to eat pizza and play sports. I am a girl. I go to MAS. It’s a great school. If you ever come here you should visit us. Do you have brothers or sisters because I have both! What sport do you like? What’s your favorite food? Do you have a phone so we can face time?… Maybe someday I can visit you.” –Ayah, 5^th grader

“My name is Gerard. My favorite subject is science and I love to read books nonfiction about natural disasters, space, and animals… Do you like legos and reading and to play soccer? Are you a boy or a girl? What is your favorite color? Mine is red and my second is sky blue. Do you have any pets and do you like to play in the snow? I do. What’s your favorite thing do in school and what’s your favorite sport if it’s not soccer?” -Gerard, 5^th grader

So here’s my question: Can kids change the world?

How can we open spaces for kids to create dialogue with their peers who live in different communities, countries, or continents? How will these spaces contribute to changing the narrative about Africa, as Pencils for Africa sets out to do?

What does Ubuntu mean to you?

Ubuntu is a profound African word which relates directly to the values of this Kitchen Table community.

This is what Ubuntu means to Nelson Mandela:

This is what Ubuntu means to Desmond Tutu:

What does Ubuntu mean to you?

Interview with Zainab Salbi in the African Peace Journal

Recently, some of the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team shared their reflections on an interview with Zainab Salbi in the African Peace Journal, on how the narrative for Africa needs to be readdressed.

Click Here to read these reflections by members of the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team.

Click Here to read the original interview with Zainab Salbi in the African Peace Journal.

Pencils for Africa Board Member Katy Digovich visits the PFA Team

Pencils for Africa Teacher Ms. Weitzman’s note after Katy’s visit on Thursday, May 22, 2014

Dear Katy,

Thank-you so much for coming to St. Hilary School today to meet the Pencils for Africa Team.

The Editorial Team really loved having you at school.

The younger girls, Lucia, Carly and Charlotte, asked to stay longer in the meeting, They really connected with you and wanted to learn more. Colin was listening and was very alert and excited to have a commonality with you and computer programing. This is Blanche’s first year at the school from France, and her first year being immersed into the English language. She made me smile when she was telling you that she was asking questions from some of the team members that could not be there today.

I really liked the knowledge you shared with the students.

When you asked them what their passions and interests were, varied as they were, you told them to take those passions and use them to help make a change in the world. I liked that you told them not to try and figure it all out now, that it will come as you are on your journey.

You were honest and open, and listened to them all.

A perfect mentor to have come to end our school year at Pencils for Africa.

Thank-you so much again, Katy, I really enjoy meeting you as well.

You are a bright star out there in this world, and it was an honor and pleasure to have you with us.

All the best,

Chyah

Pencils for Africa Board Member Molly Kellogg visits Marin County

Molly Kellogg flew in from New York, where she currently lives, to Marin County in anticipation of meeting members of the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team and participating in the Google presentation.

Molly met with fellow Pencils for Africa Board Member, Paola Gianturco.

Paola and Molly spoke of many aspects of African culture from beaded jewelry to art and textiles.

Pencils for Africa Editorial Team members’ presentation to Google!

On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014, the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team reached a milestone in their work by receiving the opportunity to make a presentation to Google!

Left to Right:

Editor-in-Chief Nicolas, Emma, Carolyn, Carly, Karim, Charlotte, Deputy Editor Colin

Four members of the team represented the Pencils for Africa Editorial Team in the presentation:

Nicolas, Carly, Colin and Charlotte.

The presentation was made to a number of Google representatives including our hosts at Google, Carolyn Au and Emma Bindloss. After a tour by Emma and Carolyn of various aspects of the Google facilities, the group got lunch at the Google cafeteria after which they headed up to a conference hall where Nicolas, Carly, Colin, Charlotte and Molly gave presentations to the Google team.

To view a summary of Nicolas, Carly, Colin, Charlotte and Molly’s presentations click here.

The moms of Nicolas and Charlotte, Joyce and Elizabeth, were in attendance, as were Ms. Weitzman, photographers Erik and Sarah and out-of-town PFA Board Member Molly, who flew in specially from New York to give her presentation on the Young Journalist Program of which Molly is the Editor-in-Chief.

To view Molly’s website of the Young Journalist Program click here.

Nicolas’s mom Joyce, Nicolas, Colin, Carly, Charlotte, Charlotte’s mom Elizabeth